SC Orders Stipend Arrears for Medical Interns: A Landmark Ruling
The Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment on August 4, 2025, directing the Armed Forces Medical Services (ACMS) to clear all outstanding internship stipend arrears owed to its interns. This ruling has significant implications for medical education across the nation.
The court unequivocally established that stipends for medical interns are a right, not merely a discretionary benefit. This decision addresses a long-standing issue of unpaid or delayed stipends affecting numerous medical interns, including those from foreign universities.
The judgment highlights the urgent need for a uniform, pan-India stipend policy for medical interns. The National Medical Commission (NMC) must now take proactive steps to ensure fair compensation for all medical trainees.
This ruling is a crucial step towards ensuring better working conditions and financial security for medical interns, a vital component of India’s healthcare system. The NMC’s response to this judgment will be keenly observed, as it directly impacts the future of medical education and the well-being of aspiring doctors.
